Not until eight minutes from time, when substitute Ryan Bennett was penalised for a challenge on Eden Hazard, did the Canaries exercise referee Anthony Taylor’s whistle – a damning statistic for a team battling the drop.

But manager Chris Hughton insisted his side were ‘nasty’ enough to survive in the top flight. He said: “We’re competitive enough. If you look at the nature of our players, they can look after themselves.

Careful now! Chris Hughton manager of Norwich City (L) looks on as Russell Martin of Norwich City takes a throw at Stamford Bridge (Image: Mike Hewitt)

“Our priority was more to try and cover the holes and deny Chelsea the space to zip the ball around, because they have so much quality in their ­movement and passing.

“I think that’s more important than giving fouls away. Our problem at the moment is conceding poor goals and not being clinical enough.”

Recalled skipper Grant Holt hit his second goal in as many games and Hughton added: ”That goal will help any claim Grant has to get in the England squad.”